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19 Dumbest Things Smart People Waste Money On

Last updated June 25, 2026 | By Team FBZ

You're not dumb. You do the normal money-saving things …

You're a regular at the clearance rack. You don't eat lunch out too much. And you meticulously selected the perfect combo of streaming services to watch your favs for as cheap as possible.

But there are some tips you may not know (yet) — and that's a good thing! Because once you see some of the areas where you can cut your costs, you could find some extra cash in your pocket sooner than you think.

Innocent Daily Conveniences: Simple things that drain your bank account

Daily Coffee Runs: Fair to say it’s okay to get a little treat every once in a while. But a $6 latte every morning runs up to $2,000 a year. $2,000! You could buy a high-end espresso machine with that cash and still come out ahead.

The Lottery and Get-Rich-Quick Gimmicks: The lottery isn’t a financial plan, and no, that $1,500 online course won’t make you a millionaire. Focus on real wealth-building strategies.

Premium Gas for Cars That Don’t Need It: If your car doesn’t specifically require premium gas, you’re just wasting money. It won’t make your engine last longer or improve performance.

Credit Card Debt: Americans are obsessed with this no annual fee card that lets you pay no interest into 2027

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause credit card interest into 2027 ... and it could have a bigger impact than you think.

Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 17.49% - 26.49% Variable.) That's right — you could finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This practically doubles its value at the end of your first year.

Apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back card

Not Earning Cash Back at Walmart: Earn 10% cash back on your next Walmart purchase

If you're still using an account that charges monthly fees and you earn next to nothing on your savings, you need to try OnePay. When you bank through OnePay, you get a mobile banking app and secured credit card with no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and no overdraft fees.1

Sign up for OnePay here and you can earn 3% cash back on Walmart, gas, or dining on up to $150 spent per month, with eligible deposits.2On top of that, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings with eligible deposits3and get paid up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.4 And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.5

You also get fee-free overdraft with eligible deposits,6fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide,7and free bill pay with eligible deposits.8

Limited time offer: earn 10% cash back on your first Walmart purchase made within your first month, on up to $200 spent.9

Open a OnePay deposit account today

High-Interest Debt: See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, National Debt Relief's certified debt specialists may be able to help you consolidate your debt into one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero fees until your debt is resolved, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!10

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for National Debt Relief

Did You Know?

On average, debt settlement saves clients around 32% of their enrolled debt after fees, according to a 2023 study by the Association for Consumer Debt Relief. The consultation costs nothing. People who enroll and complete the program could be debt-free in 24 to 48 months.

Sources: Association for Consumer Debt Relief (2023)

Paying Now for Your Home Equity: Get up to $500,000 from your home equity with NO additional monthly payments

If you want cash from your home’s equity but don’t want a HELOC, hear me out. This company we found is doing something amazing. They let you access your equity without additional monthly payments.

It’s called Splitero and they give you cash today for a share of your home's future value. It’s a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) not a HELOC. There’s no monthly payments, and no income requirements.

Instead, you repurchase your investment with a portion of your home’s future value when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of the agreement. That means you keep your existing low-rate mortgage and access cash now!

There are also NO employment requirements. You qualify based on your home equity. You also remain the owner and continue living in your home. Use the cash to pay off debt, fund renovations, retire, grow your family, and more.

Enter your home address here to pre-qualify in less than 2 minutes

Skipping This Criminally Underrated Credit Card Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus + up to 5% cash back! 

Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen. The bonus is worth almost half the spend!

No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Do not skip this card, it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee. 

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Home Equity: Ohio Homeowners borrow from your home’s equity to pay down high-interest debt

Home equity loans are surging in popularity with homeowners with great credit to pay down high-interest debt quickly or make home improvements.

The best part is you can actually keep your current mortgage rate by getting a home equity loan with this genius program!

No hassle. No expensive fees.

Calculate your equity amount and lock in your rate today!

How to get started:

  1. Check out LendingTree’s Home Equity matching tool.11
  2. Answer a few questions about your home.
  3. Lock in your personalized rate and payment.

700+ Credit Score: Compare real offers for $0

Retirement Mistakes: Not having enough income in retirement

Most Americans spend years saving for retirement, but a lot of them don’t have a clear plan for turning their savings into a retirement income. The truth is, the transition from “building wealth” to “living on wealth” is one of the most overlooked risks facing successful investors in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

That is exactly what The Complete Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve. Answer a few quick questions about your financial situation, and you'll get a personalized financial plan plus a free guide that outlines the straightforward math and strategies you need to convert your savings and investments to income.

Answer a few questions to get your free retirement income guide

Mindless Recurring Expenses: Don’t pay for what you don’t use

Storage Units: If you haven’t needed it in a year, why are you paying rent for it? Sell it, donate it, or admit you’re just hoarding junk in a different location.

Expensive Gym Memberships: If you’re not going at least twice a week, just cancel it already. Home workouts, outdoor runs, and basic weights could get you 90% of the same results for free.

Bottled Water: Can’t believe we even have to say this. But if you have access to clean tap water, you’re wasting money every time you buy a bottle. Get a reusable one and stop paying for something that’s essentially free.

Paying too Much on Your Mortgage: Save $28,000 over the life of your mortgage

Too many buyers overpay on their mortgage without even knowing it. Rates and fees vary wildly from lender to lender, but nobody has time to call around and compare, so they might just accept the first offer and hope for the best. Now there's a free service that does the hard part for you.

It's called Own Up, and it compares mortgage offers from a network of top-rated lenders so they compete for your business and you can pick a great deal.12You fill out a quick 5-minute profile (no hard credit pull),13get matched with top-rated lenders, and see the comparison side by side.14

Thnk about it this way: On a $400,000 mortgage at 7.00%, you'd pay over $558,000 in interest over 30 years. Drop that rate just half a percent to 6.50% and you'd pay around $510,000. That's $48,000 back in your pocket, just from shopping around for a better rate.15

Own Up customers save on average $28,000 over the life of their loan,16and it costs you absoloutely nothing to find out what you'd save.

Own Up is 100% free — there’s no direct consumer fee for Own Up’s service. Own Up is compensated by lenders, not consumers. See what you could qualify for at the link below before you lock in a rate you might regret.

Check your rate in 5 minutes (free)

Advisor Fees: You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are “fee only,” charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Services and Upgrades: Do you really need these things to be happy?

Sneaky Subscriptions: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ … chances are you’re not even watching half of these. Cut it out. Choose one or two and stop auto-renewing free trials you forgot about.

Upgrading to the Latest iPhone: Unless your phone is literally falling apart, there’s no reason to drop $1,000+ on a new one just because Apple added a slightly better camera. Your current phone is fine.

Designer Clothes and Sneakers: Dropping $300 on the latest sneakers or fast fashion trends just to keep up? You’re only filling your closet with overpriced clutter. Invest in quality, sure — but not hype and status.

Tax Debt: Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

Alleviate Tax is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Alleviate Tax talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started

Market Volatility: Help protect your savings from stock market volatility with gold

The economy feels more fragile by the day. Debt, tariffs, and general instability have investors on edge. But now, JPMorgan projects gold could surge to $4,000/ounce.17 That could mean trouble for traditional portfolios, but potential for you if you position yourself ahead of the curve.

U.S. Gold Bureau helps Americans protect and grow their retirement savings with gold and silver. They’ve delivered 2 billion+ in precious metals, earned an A+ BBB rating, and offer a BuyBack Guarantee — they buy back any metals they sell at transparent prices.

With a Gold IRA, you can roll over part of your retirement account (like a 401(k) or IRA) into physical gold tax and penalty-free. You'll even receive up to $20,000 in FREE gold with qualifying purchases.18

Get started with gold: Download U.S. Gold Bureau’s IRA investors kit. There's no cost to request it, but doing so could help protect everything you've worked for. (Minimums apply: You should have at least $30,000 to invest.)

Take control of your savings now

Waiting to Get Paid: Access up to $150 per day of your paycheck with no mandatory fees

If you need a few dollars in between paychecks, a little daily cushion can go a long way.

With the EarnIn app19 you can access up to $150 per day of your paycheck and up to $1,000 per pay period — and EarnIn won’t charge you any mandatory fees.

Yes, you read that correctly. You have the option to access your pay as you work and not have EarnIn charge you at all. The EarnIn app does not charge any interest or mandatory fees on a standard Cash Out.

You even have the option to access the money within minutes for a small fee.20

The best news? There is no credit check, no interest, no late fees – ever.

How to get started:

  1. Visit EarnIn and create an account.
  2. Link your bank and employment info.
  3. EarnIn will verify your paycheck and you’re all set!

Get started with EarnIn here

Your Home Insurance: Most Ohio homeowners haven't checked their policy in years — it's worth a second look

Home insurance is one of those bills most people set up when they buy their house and never revisit. But your situation changes over time — your home's value, your neighborhood, the coverage you actually need. A policy that made sense three years ago might not be the right fit today.

Provide Home Insurance helps Ohio homeowners get matched with home insurance options from multiple providers. Answer a few quick questions about your home, and they'll connect you with carriers that fit your needs.

It's free, there's no obligation, and it's a simple way to make sure the coverage you're paying for still makes sense for where you are now.

See your Ohio home insurance options

Expensive Timeshares: See if you’re eligible to cancel your money-draining timeshare contract

Around 85% of timeshare owners regret their purchase within the first year, according to a recent report.21Some timeshare agreements are written to last a lifetime and even pass obligations to your children.

The Stonegate Firm helps clients walk away from timeshare contracts that feel impossible to escape. Their proven exit programs are designed to remove the burden, stop the financial strain, and restore your peace of mind.

Year after year payments drain money that could be spent elsewhere. Instead of watching money disappear into endless fees, you could finally be able to put your hard-earned income toward your family, future, and goals.

Ready to take back control? See if you qualify to start your cancellation journey today

Earn $250 by doing this

Few things in life are this simple. Open this account, route two qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more within 75 days, and a $250 bonus lands in your new account.22

Most bonus offers want you jumping through hoops. Not this one. Just a couple of paychecks routed in and the bonus is yours.

Get your $250 bonus

Interest: Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that’s you, a company called LendingTree11wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.

Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.

That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.

See if your $30K+ credit card debt is eligible for options with LendingTree

Skipping This Credit Card Bonus: Earn a bonus worth $250 to use toward your next flight or hotel 

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card here and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. That's worth $250 toward travel!

There is no extra work beyond the spending requirement to earn the early spend bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card also lets you earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases. 

Redeem points for a statement credit toward travel and dining purchases, gift cards, cash back, or merchandise. If you travel even once a year this card could be worth it and could net you $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay - apply today!

Recommended for good or excellent credit.

Click here to apply for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card now

Protecting Your Home From Water Damage: How Ohio homeowners are preventing roof rot, mold, and foundation damage for good

Most homeowners think of gutters as just a cleaning chore. The bigger risk is what happens when they clog. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage, roof rot, mold, even foundation problems, the kind of repairs that run into the thousands.

If you own a home in Ohio, HomeBuddy offers a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard built to prevent exactly that. Their micromesh filter keeps common debris out, so your gutters stay clear and your home stays protected. And because it actually works, you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The company will even clean out and realign your gutters before they install.

Don't waste money on cheap, ineffective guards that claim to be clog-free. This one's built to last.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below, enter your ZIP code and home info, and a representative will reach out to schedule a free estimate.

See if you qualify

Expensive Flights: Your cash-back card is costing you free flights

Here's a number most people don't think about: if you spend $3,000/month on a flat 1.5% cash-back card, you're earning about $45/month. Sounds fine — until you realize the right travel rewards card would turn that same spending into enough points for 2-3 free round-trip flights a year.

That's 2-3 free flights you're not taking. Not because you can't afford them — because your card isn't working hard enough.

FinanceBuzz can help you find the right travel rewards card for your spending — free, and without affecting your credit score.

See How Much You're Missing (no credit impact)

Cut the Risk of a Fall: A bathroom upgrade that helps Ohio homeowners stay safe at home

A walk-in tub is more than a bathroom upgrade. For a lot of homeowners, it's what makes staying in their own home comfortable and safe.

Features like low-step entry, non-slip surfaces, and built-in seating make bathing easier and cut the risk of a fall, one of the most common and most serious accidents at home. A lot of models add hydrotherapy jets too, so you're getting comfort along with the safety.

And here's something most people don't realize: depending on your situation, a walk-in tub could be more affordable than you'd expect. It's worth checking what assistance or savings you might be eligible for before you write it off as out of reach.

If you own a home in Ohio, RemodelYourHome connects you with pre-screened local pros and a free estimate. See what a walk-in tub could cost for your home.

You might be eligible if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. You want safer, easier access to your bath or shower.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

See if you qualify

Expensive College Tuition: Help your child pay for college with rates as low as 2.59% APR

If you’re a parent helping to pay for college, the rules just changed. Starting July 1, 2026, new federal limits cap how much families can borrow through programs like Parent PLUS, which used to cover up to the full cost of attendance. For many families, that could leave a real gap between what college costs and what federal loans will cover.

To help fill that gap, a company called College Ave wants to help. They offer private parent loans, plus loans for undergrad and grad school, with fixed rates as low as 2.59% APR and variable rates as low as 3.89% APR. Their loans could cover up to 100% of your child’s school-certified cost of attendance, with no origination fees.

Even better, you can choose from flexible repayment options to fit your budget, applying takes about 3 minutes, and you can prequalify to see your eligibility without impacting your credit score.

See if you prequalify with College Ave

Skipping a Bonus: Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps. 

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 3.80% APY23on savings (3.10% APY standard + 0.70% APY boost for six months) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.24 That's way better than the measly 0.38% (as of 4/20/26)25 national average savings accounts offer. 

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Overpaying on Windows: Ohio residents, see if you could save on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save now.

HomeBuddy connects you with pre-screened local contractors who install energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and keep your home more comfortable.

It’s easy to get started. Answer a few quick questions and you could be matched with a contractor who can set up an estimate. The entire process is hassle free.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Complete this short questionnaire to get started

Set up direct deposit and complete qualifying activities - pocket $400

If you aren't banking with Truist, you're missing out on a boost of extra cash just by following a few simple steps.

Earn a bonus of $400 after you open a new Truist One Checking account online between March 26, 2026 and July 9, 2026 using promo code AFL400TR1Q226.26To earn the $400 bonus, your account needs to receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete 20 qualifying debit card purchase transactions within 120 days of account opening. The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. Terms apply.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following the steps above. Plus, your new account offers benefits like no overdraft fee and options to avoid a monthly maintenance fee on top of the bonus.

Open your account and earn a $400 bonus

$10,000+ Home Elevators: Get a free stair lift estimate instead and stay in the home you love

If you or a loved one struggles with stairs, do not move to a new house or spend $10,000+ on a home elevator or renovation. An affordable custom stair lift could be a faster solution (and $1,000s cheaper) and this free in-home consultation can help you find one.

Leaf Home Safety Solutions is actively helping senior homeowners get custom stair lifts without spending a fortune. They offer straight, curved, and outdoor options, installed by pros and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. You could stay in the home you love without a renovation.

Skip the stress of researching stair lift companies on your own. Leaf Home brings trained local experts to your door for a free, no-pressure estimate.

You might be a good fit if: 1) You own your home, 2) You or a loved one has trouble with stairs, and 3) Your ZIP code qualifies.

Complete this short form to get started

Overpaying on a New Shower: Ohio residents, see if you could save on a walk-in shower upgrade

Design your perfect shower without breaking the bank. If you live in Ohio and your bathroom is stuck in the past, it's time for an upgrade you'll actually use every day.

HomeBuddy connects you with pre-screened local pros who install modern walk-in showers built around your style, your space, and your needs.

Skip the runaround. Get matched with a contractor and secure a free estimate in minutes. No pressure. No hassle.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. You're ready to ditch the old tub.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Get your free estimate to get started

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2027

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading low-interest card - the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees).

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months. Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest! After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. 

The best part? The annual fee is $0.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Not earning up to 5% cash back at restaurants and home improvement stores: Unlock up to $1,070 in value over the next year with this incredible card!

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing welcome bonus and benefits. Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) and you can earn up to 5% cash back at restaurants and home improvement stores now to June 30, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.

There's no annual fee, and Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This generous welcome offer and the top-notch cash back rewards provides an estimated $1,070 value in the first year!27 Plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The welcome offer combined with the up to 5% cash back reward rate could be worth up to 10% cash back in the first year!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable. That means you could use this card to fund large purchases or even potentially get out of debt. If you dine out or shop at home improvement stores even once a month, this card is practically a no-brainer!

Click here to apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back.

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